How to recognize heat related illnesses

Hello Summer!   Since we live in Iowa, we have the great opportunity to experience the extreme weather conditions of bitter cold winter days and hot, humid summer days.  This year has been no exception so far.  Here is some general information and signs for when visiting with others these summer days. 

​Call 911 if someone you know/work with have any of the following symptoms:

• Lack of sweating
• Flushed skin
• Racing heart
• Unconsciousness
• Dizziness or lightheaded
• Skin that feels cool and moist
• Body temperature over 104F
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Rapid breathing
• Headache
• Muscle cramps

 
Remember certain medications make you more sensitive to summer heat!
 
Medications, Heat and You
Some medication may make you more sensitive to summer heat! When it gets really hot, it can be dangerous for our health! Extreme heat can cause heat-related illness, injury and even death, especially in young children and older adults. People with chronic health conditions are also at risk during hot weather. Some medications we take to help manage chronic health conditions can sometimes affect how well our bodies can tolerate extreme heat.
 
If you take medications for the following conditions, you may be at risk for injury due to heat:

• Bladder issues such as overactive bladder
• Medications for nausea, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Cognitive and psychiatric disorders
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, or other cardiovascular disease
• Colds or allergies
• Pain, seizures, or trouble sleeping
• Diabetes
• Kidney, liver, or lung disease

 
What can I do to make sure my medications are safe for me when it is hot?
1. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They know exactly what medications you are taking and can talk to you about how summer heat might affect you. Ask about hot summer weather and your medicine.
2. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you are taking diuretics.
3. Use air conditioning while inside.

Take good care and be safe!